Among the navagrahas, Lord Shani or Saturn is probably the most feared and the most misunderstood. It is only natural for children to dislike the hour when a strict teacher takes a class and to revel with an easygoing jovial one! Just similar is the case with human beings and planets – while the planetary period or influence of a soft planet or a yogkaraka is enjoyable, the planetary period of karmic planets, especially like that of Saturn brings difficult lessons and relentless troubles.

Lord Saturn in Vedic astrology and among the planets is the grandmaster of karmic retribution. He is largely instrumental in balancing the karmic books of individuals. In the sacred texts, he is described as having emaciated and long physique, tawny eyes, windy in temperament, big teeth, is indolent and lame, and has coarse hair.

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Shanidev

He is depicted usually with a sword, arrow, trident and riding a raven/ crow/ vulture. His imagery is dark and scary conveying his hard taskmaster, no-nonsense aura completely. While his dasha or period of influence can be very hard, good conduct, sincerity, forgiveness and a life of truth and ethics can bring much relief as these are the very virtues Shanidev tries to impart – to convert ignorance and pain into lasting wisdom!

One can also find much relief by wearing his gemstone – blue sapphire, if Saturn is placed favourably in the birth chart. There can also be decrease in intensity of pain by praying to Shiva who is his guru, by praying to Hanuman especially on Saturdays and by visiting the Shaneeshwara temple on Saturday evenings. Individuals can make a pilgrimage to the Thirunallar temple in Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu and seek the grace from Lord Shani, who is regarded to be in his benevolent form in this particular temple.

Selected Rings, Pendants and Talismans made available to Gemstoneuniverse.com patrons in February 2013

Gemstoneuniverse.com Table Natural Blue Sapphire Gemstone Facts

Gemstone

Natural Blue Sapphire

Weight

3.14 carats

Treatment

None. Fully Natural,

Origin

Srilanka

Planetary Energy

Saturn

Patron Location

New Delhi /India

All inclusive Price

$ 1719 / INR 96264

Comments

Featured today is a fully natural and treatment free Ceylon blue sapphire of 3.14 carat set in Sterling silver as a Saturn talisman ring. This unheated blue sapphire is a tantalizing oval with excellent clarity and scintillating blue color with violet overtones.

Natural blue sapphire or neelam gemstone is the gem of Lord Saturn and is used in a talisman to harness the energies of this planet.